Update Regarding AISD

[Max Lars]

Council Members–

I want to provide an update regarding the ongoing discussion at AISD.

Texas law gives the parents at Webb and Burnet Middle Schools a powerful voice in what happens to their children. Over the past few weeks, those parents used that power, acted, and made their voices heard through the statutory petition process. It’s clear that they want the best for their children. They want their concerns heard. And they want Austin ISD to understand the seriousness of this situation and have a real plan to create positive change.

The petition process will not be final until the “Fall Enrollment Snapshot”, which is captured on October 30. (See below). However, it appears that enough signatures have been collected to trigger closure of Webb and Burnet and prevent the appointment of a board of managers, or what is sometimes called a “takeover” of the district.

The Webb and Burnet parents have spoken. They’ve been put in a painful and difficult position. They see, feel, and live with past failures, including with accountability and trust. The results of this petition effort, by itself, will not fix that. But it gives parents and their children an opportunity to have a say in what kind of future they want and deserve. I have confidence in Superintendent Matias Segura to hear these parents and act positively.

I’m very thankful to all of the Webb and Burnet parents regardless of whether they signed the petitions. I’m also grateful for the people and community, including volunteers, who helped with the process and who supported the parents, including the Austin Council of PTAs (ACPTA). I also appreciate Superintendent Segura’s leadership. Thank you also to Mayor Pro Tem Vela for his support and help as well in these last few weeks.

The Commissioner of Education still has authority to act related to Austin ISD, even with these petition results. But we are at a new, important, point in the ongoing improvement of Austin ISD. As I’ve said before, accountability isn't just about imposing consequences. It's about producing results. And when those results show improvement, accountability should recognize that, too.

Undeniable improvement is occurring in Austin ISD.

I look forward to working with AISD leadership and the Commissioner.

We all have a single goal: to assure the best opportunities possible for Austin’s children.

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The “Fall Snapshot” refers to student enrollment as of a date in October, which is established by the Texas Education Agency. For the 2026-27 school year, the fall snapshot deadline is October 30. This is the data that will be used for accountability measures, such as the state’s campus rating system, as part of the annual Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS).

Thanks

Kirk
On Behalf of Mayor Watson